Scott M. Bugner

The Commission discussed various community engagement initiatives, including programs offered by the Police Department such as ride-alongs and a potential Citizen Police Academy. Planning for the upcoming New Resident Event was reviewed, focusing on vendor participation and volunteer coordination. Additionally, the Commission brainstormed engagement strategies for Pride and Juneteenth events, including interactive activities to foster resident participation. Future topics explored included potential methods to encourage positive youth engagement with the police, the formalization of student representative roles, and research into other municipal citizen academy models.

The Board held a public hearing regarding a proposed tax increase, discussing the methodology and implications of the levy adjustments for property values. Key agenda items included the reappointment of a member to the Public Art Commission, the approval of a resolution honoring a local centenarian, and the consideration of an ordinance regarding administrative adjudication procedures for local ordinance violations. The Board also reviewed budget amendments, tax levy assessments, and various committee reports. Citizens provided feedback on traffic patterns near a local school, tax levy concerns, and infrastructure issues, while the Village Manager provided clarification on budgetary transfers.

The Board meeting covered a wide array of topics, beginning with public comments regarding a proposed retention pond at Heather Hill, the termination of the former Chief of Police, and general community concerns. The Board conducted a public hearing on the fiscal year 2024-2025 budget and subsequently adopted it. Key action items included the approval of an ordinance for the acquisition of real estate for the Flossmoor Road Viaduct Drainage Improvements Project, discussions on various grant statuses, and the approval of contract extensions for parkway tree services, landscape maintenance, and janitorial services. The Board also awarded a contract for flooring replacement at Village Hall. Additionally, the Board discussed the 'No Mow May' initiative and concluded the session with an executive session regarding employment, property acquisition, and litigation matters.

The board discussed and approved the acquisition of an additional sculpture for the Flossmoor Rotational Sculpture Art Program and the associated license agreement. Resolutions were passed to authorize temporary State Highway and Cook County road closures for the upcoming Hidden Gem Half Marathon. The board approved an intergovernmental agreement for fire station alerting equipment funded by a FEMA grant, along with a related budget amendment. Significant discussion took place regarding the FY21 Preliminary Budget, focusing on fund health, infrastructure improvements, and street resurfacing strategies. Additionally, the board approved financial invoices and reviewed reports regarding COVID-19 preparedness, local veteran events, and Metra transit schedule changes.

The meeting involved a public hearing regarding a request for a special use permit for a residential sport court, which was tabled to allow for mediation between the petitioners and affected neighbors. Additionally, the Board discussed the allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding and various state capital grants, approving the establishment of a new fund and budget amendments to support water supply improvements and infrastructure projects. The meeting concluded with updates regarding communication awards and upcoming community events.